Civil Air Patrol National Commander Major General Charles L. Carr stands at the ready with his men to greet the Wreaths Across American entourage. To learn more about CAP's aerospace education programs, products, and other resources available to their members, go to www.capmembers.com/ae

Arlington National Cemetery Gates open to public at 8 AM

C.A.P. Honor Guard member Sherwood stands at attention awaiting arrival of WAA

John & Bunny O'Leary lead the Ceremonial Wreaths Across America Truck Parade into Arlington National Cemetery

American Gold Star Mother President Mary Byers, the 2012 Grand Marshall of WAA

Morrill and Karen Worcester of Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine entering Arlington National Cemetery

Ceremonial Wreaths Across America Truck Parade arrives at Arlington Main entrance

Roger Flick, Executive Board member of America's 911 Foundation, Inc.
http://www.americas911ride.org/

Some Marines and family members waiting near Section 60 for the WAA trucks to arrive

That's Gold Star Grand Father James E. Troutt on the Big Red 'Hartt' truck dedicated to his grandson Spc. Dustin J. Harris KIA 4/6/2006 Bayji, Iraq. Our Mighty Paratrooper

Some tables were set up with gold stars, markers and hooks to hang the personalized tree ornaments

Opening Ceremonies at the Memorial Amphitheater began around 9:30 AM

Singer Lindsay Lawler (on right) and her guitarist Chris Roberts going over some last minute notes

Kathryn A. Condon, Executive Director, Army National Cemeteries Program welcomes everyone to Arlington National Cemetery

Our National anthem was sung by the 2013 Distinguished Young Woman of Maryland Aleksandra Knepper.

Captain Thomas S. Helms III, Senior Army Chaplin, Arlington National Cemetery leads us in prayer

American Gold Star Mother President Mary Byers, the 2012 Grand Marshall of Wreaths Across America is recognized

Morrill Worcester is giving the 1,000,000 wreath to American Gold Star Mother President Mary Byers to be laid in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery

American Gold Star Mother President Mary Byers with the 1,000,000 Worcester Wreath

Karen Worcester reflects on how she met Spc. Dustin H. Harris grandfather who thanked her for what they are doing, she said, 'we should remember their lives and families', the character of some other veteran heroes who also gave their lives like Kris Stonesifer who was a Army Ranger and Captain Josh Byers

Bunny and John O'Leary listening to Karen's words.

Rabbi Harold L. Robinson, Rear Admiral, US Navy Chaplin Retired explains why he will lay a wreath on Chaplain's hill on the grave of a fellow chaplain but not on the grave of a friend and fellow Jewish Chaplain

There were also prayers and reminders to think of all the children and adults killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

Lindsay Lawler sings God Bless America accompanied by her guitarist Chris Roberts

There was a flyby of Marine HMX1 helicopters

American Gold Star Mother Past National President Ruth Stonesifer

Before the start of the wreath laying began some of the Gold Star Family members stop for a photograph

Lt Col Bob Bateman shares a letter about POW Bowe Bergdahl who was taken prisoner in Afghanistan on June 30, 2009. When will our government bring Bowe home?

Singer Lindsay Lawler, American Gold Star Mother President Mary Byers & her husband Gold Star Father Dr. Lloyd Charles Byers

The 2012 Grand Marshall of Wreaths Across America is American Gold Star Mother President Mary Byers

American Gold Star Mother Past National President Ruth Stonesifer lays a wreath in honor of her son Kris Stonesifer

A prayer is said for Kristofor and the other serviceman and women who have given their lives for our freedom

American Gold Star Mother President Mary Byers and her husband Gold Star Father Dr. Lloyd Charles Byers

American Gold Star Mother President Mary Byers with the help of Wounded Warrior SSgt. Justin Lansford laid the 1,000,000 in Arlington National Cemetery

Justin was injured on April 23, 2012 and two of his buddies were killed during the same attach

The 1,000,000 wreath was laid in Section 60 at the grave site of Justin's friend Wilbur Herbert Tresvant who was killed on April 23, 2012.

American Gold Star Mother President Mary Byers shows Justin the photo she wears of her son Captain Josh T. Byers – KIA 7-23-03 – Iraq

Noon Wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier

Wreath clean up volunteers are always needed at Arlington National Cemetery too. Clean up will take place on January 26, 2013. For more information contact Mr. Wayne Hanson, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at driftabit@aol.com